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Northern Star (1837-1852), 9th October 1841, Edition 2 of 5, Page 8

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      The Masons' Strike.

      THE MASONS' STRIKE .

      TO THH EDITOR OP THE 50 _RTHBSS STAR . Sib , —In looting _erer the Slar of the 25 th , I was ¦ _ttrprised to fiad in extract tikea from that creature of corruption , the _Oitmier , headed" the r _« cent atrike of _maiant-ai the new Houses of Parliament . A aore _eoaplieated mass of falsehoods _eould not be published , and , in my opinion , is a complete Eb _* l on _A » t iatellgent body of men , the masons of Londoa . _ _ . , Sir , _mr _rorprisa increases , knowing as yon do , tie _aarties from whenee you hare got this

      information to be circulated through the medium of your widely circulated journal . This , by many of your readers , will be swallowed as gospel truths , if not contradicted , to thaprejadiee of : he men ob strike , and will place the masons generally , in a very ridiculous position . Having worked on the job in question , a short time since , and knowing the real siate of case , I beg leave to nuke a few remarks , which I trust will get the same circulation , as the falsa _statement of the "Wing Observer has recoiled at your hands .

      The Oiterver states that ' * in the daily journals of la ? -: week there _sppsared paragraphs , the substance of which was , that the _masons employed on the works of the new Houses of Parliament had struck in consequence , as stated in the report alluded to , of the arbitrary conduct of ihe foreman , Allen , and thai- they had resolved not again to resume their labour nn : il the cause of their grievance was removed . The fact of works of eo great importance , & s those of ihe new Houses of Parliament having been suspended , naturally caused a very considerable sensation ; and , as i ; is a matter of importance tothe public , that it should be properly informed of

      the real nature of the case , our reporter waited yesterday upon the contractors , _M essre . Grissell and Pe : o , and the former gentleman very kindly _furaisbed him with fact 3 , ( mark the word , with facts , ) the detail of which will put the affair in its proper ligh :. " This , Sir , is only what I and every mason in Britain want ? , a fall and fair statement of factsa clear sta _^ e a nd no favour . ThW statement of fact 3 —th . s setting the _iffairin a proper light is not givea to tie public , only in such a manner as best accords ¦ with the wishes of the parties connected with the Observer and their lying reporter ; for I am sere Mr . Grissell is too much the _gekiietan , knowingly , to state ajfakehood .

      They say " the masons number 222 , and the whole of r :. ea b _^ _Joiiging to the Birmingham Union of _Ma-ons . This union was established for the purpose of _projecting the labourer against the masters . So far so jfood ; bat union being strength may be turned to cher purposes than those originally purposed , and may , as in this instance , become a powerful instrument of intimidation . The men , in a body , have no faalt to find with the foreman ; and so we are informed they have expressed themselves ; _bnt a few , sixteen or seventeen , have considered themselves ill-uied , _aad to redress their wrongs , all must * ct up _te the spirit of their compaet and strike . " To this part of ihe Observer's " facts" I would wish to drav .- particular attention . He says , the whole of

      them ( to show his ignorance of the ra & ject he is treating , and alsoforfearof ontsbooting his mark , the words " principally provincial" is drawn as a shielo ) belonging to the _Birmingbaa "Onion , also for the double purpose of making the Union appear insignificant in the eye of the public , as being only a local -or provincial body . It is quite the reverse ; the Union was not only formed for the protection of labour , but _e qually for the purpose of carrying out those kind and philanthropic principles of supporting the ack , whether from accident or otherwise ; and also of burying our dead , supporting the widow and _fatherless ; established , not only in Birmingham , but throughout the length and breadth of the land .

      The Observer acknowledges that union is strength . Yes , Sir , union is strength , _acd , if the p _? op } eknew their strength , by nniting in one Bolid union of sea ' timent and opiniosfor the protection of their own order , the Observer would not dare thus to insult any portion of the operative classes . It would appear that ihe masons , as a body , have no fault to find with their foreman , as Borne have expressed themselves . This falsehood I throw back with scorn , in the teeth of the Observer . The masons , as a body , do find fault with Allen , not only the workmen at the Xew Houses , but many in other part 3 of the country . This is not the first nor second instance that masons have been compelled to strike against his arbitrary and brutal conduct . Let him consult his own

      memory , and he will recollect his conduct in London _eo a former occasion , at Birmingham , & c . The law protects him in his tyranny—the _lawaiakers sympathise with him ; there is no sympathy for the men he would make slaves under his despotic rule . But , thanks to the men of London , they have * fcood forward manfully , disdaining to become the ¦ willing serfs ef any man or body of men . They in the end will be crowned with success , as truth and Jusfciee will ultimately triumph over falsehood and oppression . ' .

      As for only a small portion being _dissatisfied with Allen , to the number of sixteen or seventeen , it is decidedly _untrne . The whole of the masons of London find fault with him , and despise him for his oonduct ; indeed , the system he had adopted , of employing men _erexj week , and discharging them at * moment's notice , without any just pretext whatever , _bnt only to gratify his own bad disposition , has _brought him into an * unenviable popularity , for _almoss every maeon in England knows ; and a far greater number than sixteen or seventeen , unconnected with the late strike , find great fault with him . Numbers of them remember his kind _expressions of " Who the dcril told yon that you- was a nason ! " " You ' re a disgrace to the trade . " "Pick them up'' ( meaning the tools ); and such like taunts _.

      _-s-ucti as no man of spirit could endure , at the same time forgetting that those said men could have asked him , in r « ply , *• Who the devil told him that he was . a mason ! " or * Was he a disgrace to the trade , when , in his original occupation , erecting those splendid ¦ pieces of ancient masonry to be seen on the mountain sides of his native _eounty , Derbyshire 1 " I must here state , that with this affair the Union had no connsction ; but _granting for a moment that the Union has acted the part stated by the Observer , our Society is formed on democratic principles- ; each member has an equal power in making laws , or in _decidis _;? any question pending ; the -majority has the ruling power , not the minority . What an idea , one only worthy of the Observer , to think , that because sixteen or seventeen men were

      oppressed , that all must strike to gratify those few disaffected men , decided upon , too , where each has an eqaal voice and vote . If the majority were _satisfied with the foreman ' s conduct , never should . have heard of a strike taking place against him . Again , two months since the contractors received & letter from the masons , requesting them to reeem adepatatioa . The contractors consented , and met the _deputation , when a number of grievances were related , the whole of which grievances the kind interference of the Observer will not allow to go forth to the public .

      It is _rot my _Trish to interfere , or to say in wha mincer any public work should be carried on ; but ' . must say , in jus _. _ice to Messrs . Grissell and Peto , tha up to the deputation waiting on them , without thei _knowledge the masonB were compelled to furnia ] certain snides , such as bare and buckets , with find ing which they had nothing whatever to do . Sdci a thing never was done before on any public works _bot , as I said before , I believe this was done withou the _knowledge of tie contractors , and must entire ! rest on Allen .

      As for the young man asking to leave , his work , li bury his mother , I was within two or three yards o him at the time . A fortnight was asked ; _whei that could not be given , he then solicited for a week to go to Manchester , wbon ie ( Allen ) answered i a _seornfol manrer , " If he did go , he mast go- alto geiher : he did no ; allow any time , as he would no keep the bench vacant for him or any other man !' The consequence was , the man considered himself _ii duty boana to attend his mother's funeral . One o the ms 3 _QTis _ who gave utterance U > his feelings _oi _hearLn ? of this act of injustice , was , alon , ¦ with eight others , discharged on the Saturda following , for daring to call in question any ac of the mighty Allen : and , when the man asked th

      cause of his _beiDg discharged , he being _gixte months on th . _9 work , was told in reply by the fo : man that he did not suit . I am sure the _contri tors must think much of hiin to haTe a mason employ sixteen months before he could t whether he would suit or not . I shall pass c the beer affair , as that was an arbitrary a the contractors could not be justified in compelli the men to purchase their beer from only those _tt thought proper . The money was the men ' s p : perty , and they had a right to spend that _moi with whom and in what manner they pleased , to I best advantage , instead of being forced , contrary

      their wishes , by the contractors or Mr . Allen . 1 knowledge the Observer displays of the customs & _H public buildings is _aos ! astonishing . This ora of wisdom states thai it is the custom in all put buildings to give portions of wort to masons tl occupy a certain timo in completing ; and if < & an from being a better or quicker workman cc pletes bis job before the time , he is called a " chase and tbe united exertions of the men are put in fo to _exp & l him from the work , unless he consents wor _* at the speed Is J down by the Committee _MasouB . Again , the Observer shows his _uswilli : b « 6 s to stick to truth , and _displays in very promin feature _* , his Whig propensity for lying . _, " __ tra

      _How , ilr . Editor , in my experience in the and on the works in question , neTer did I see a c < mittee formed to regulate the quantity of wort be daily or weekly executed by any man ; nor h I ever seen or h * aid tell of any restrictions by Union on the quantity of work done , until the k Observer gave me that information ; but , on contrary , every man is at liberty to do as mi work 88 he pleases . That was the custom at new Houses of Parliament during my stay ; i whether _Gaggis was fined 5 s . for doing a headw as the Observer is pleased to call it , two days soo than others , 1 know not , not being on the wori tbe time ; bat this fax I do know , ( hat I defy :

      The Masons' Strike.

      man , or bod \| rf men , not excepting that dealer in " facts , " the " Observer , to prove that it is the custom for a committee of the UuioH to _regulate the speed that work shall be done at on any public job in England . The assertion is false , ana assertions are no proof . Again , he _say 3 another meeting of the Union was held , and it was resolved that unless this man , who had faithfully discharged his duty , was dismissed , they would strike .. Upon a reconsideration , they thought that too weak a ground , and got

      up a charge against tne foreman . Well done , thou good and faithful enlightener of the public ! you have _out-shct yoar mark ; there was no Union meeting called on the _subjett _, neither was there a meeting of the Union called to get up a charge against the foreman . The subject of striking against Mr . Allen was talked of several months previous to its tikiog place among the men who were suffering under his despotism—with the origin of thi 3 unpleasant affair the union has no connection whatever . _Kot so , now I the union has

      taken the affair into their own hands , will support and protect tbe men from oppression come from what quarter it may . The contractors may be determined not to be influenced by this spirit of insubordination and maintain the man Allen in his place . Call it a spirit of insubordination because men will not tamely submit to be the slaves of every despot that may lord it over them . I hope Mr . Editor that that time has gone by , ana for ever , as tho daily increasing _knowledge oi' the operative classes will point out to them their just position destined by naturo or nature ' s God they thculd fill amidst the great family of mankind . Yes , Sir , the contractors may retain Allen ; but so _Jon £ as he remain they will have tbe consolation ( if they thick it one ) of seeing empty workshops and that noble edifice standing as a monument of labour fctru _^ gling against tyranny and oppression .

      Having , Sir , out-stepped the limits of a letter , I bring my remarks to a conclusion , by giving a word of advice to my friend of the Observer , if it should so happen that it becomes necessary for a further _enlightening of the publio _, to send his reporter to Messrs . Gressell and Peto , to instruct his official to bring back nothing but" facts . ' and by all means , set the example himself , by strictly adhering to truth . I remain , dear Sir , Your most obedient and Sincere well-wi . > her , A . C . D ., An operative mason .

      The Address Of The Executive Council To ...

      THE ADDRESS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TO THE NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION . Fellow-Countbtmk * and Brothek Chartists . — We address you at this time under more cheerful and promising circumstance ? . Since we assembled in Manchester , we have had an extensive opportunity of becoming acquainted with the real state of the Association , of witnessing the enthusiasm of the People , aud the unanimity of sentiment and action which has characterized the proceedings of the members of the General Council , and of the Delegate Bodies with whom we have co-operated . Since our Manchester sitting we have addressed upwards of one hundred and fifty meetings , and have in every instance been strengthened by tho _confidence of the People .

      Ws are , however , fully aware that to retain that confidence we must deserve it by fulfilling tha duties of our office with constaney , energy , and honesty . Our efforts have been so readily seconded by the People , that nearly two hundred towns have been enrolled in the Association , and about 1 G , 6 OO cards of membership issued by our secretary . We have had no very serious di & _cnlties to contend against ; and those which we have encountered have fortunately been neither serious in their nature , nor dangerous in their effects . There has been the appearance of division in the town of Birmingham ; bat our presence has greatly contributed to the restoration of nnanimity ; and has likewise added to the numbers of the

      Association . A temporary collision ensued between several members of our Association _^ , and a religions body calling themselves the Christian Chartist Church . We are happy to say that no _d-. fference whatever did exist , or docs now prevail , in the As 3 ociatiou in Birmingham . We are , however , anxious to prevent any fnture collision between the National Charter Association and religious bodies ; therefore have given our . opinion in reference to the course we ought to pursue , and the position we ougnt to occupy .

      We are of opinion that one of the chief ends of the Charter will be the establishment of perfect religious liberty ; each religious party will possess more or less political power ; and as all will enjoy freedom , we therefore can neither adopt nor reject the form of worship or belief of any individual , sect , or denomination . If we engrafted any peculiar creedupon Chartism , we should narrew the sphere of our _actioLs , limit our usefulness , and close our breasts against all , except those who adopted our sectarian views ; therefore , should any body of the members of our Association adopt any particular faith , we are neither justified in opposing them any more than we should be wise in identifying ourselves with their devotional

      . We hold the National Charter Association , and the Christian Chartist Church , to be distinct and separate bodies . We shall hail men of all rdi _^ _ious opinions to our ranks ; and whilst we shall avoid one _errer of destroying a political body by making it sectarian , we cannot countenance the raising up a religious body at the expence of a political association . Both can exist separate ; but the one will destroy the other if united . Ouraimand object are to collect men of all religions into our ranks , and _instead of questioning any man ' s belief to _£ iye all men full protection , security , and freedom in the choice of their faith and the worship of their

      God . We have noticed the existence of some divisions in London , and , as far as we can judge , we are of opinion , that the revival of questions affecting the past , or concerning individuals alone , is , to say the least of it , extremely injudicious . The course pursued by Mr . O'Connor , in regard to a projected discussion , jb in our opinion extremely creditable to that gentleman ; and we would advise all _otheri to pursue his example . Every member of tbe Association may rest satisfied that we shall always strive to prevent any _discussion which may terminate in the injury of Chartism ; and to secure peace , unanimity , and justice , we shall assemble , as an Executive Council , in London , on Monday , the 11 th of October .

      We congratulate the members of the Association a second time oa the fact , that in tho Association itself no disunion has hitherto arisen ; but we , nevertheless , conceive it to be our duty to adopt a rule of action by which divisions , and the ill-consequences to which they lead , may be avoided . We conceive that that man who , being a member of our Association , endeavours to excite distrust , or sow division in our ranks , des ? rves to bo expelled on account of his knavery , or distrusted on account of ais folly . We conceive that the man who is not a member of our Association , and who endeavours to cripple our efforts , or weaken our influence , exhibits great malice towards the people , or proves treachery to their cause .

      If our principles be sacred and just—if our agitation be peaceful and constitutional , —yet the false fri « nd within our ranks , and the open enemy without , equally serve tho Government and tho enemies of Universal Suffrage , every time they throw au obstacle in the progress of our movement . We do not apprehend much danger from the secret or the open enemy , as we feel confident that wisdom will always defeat the one , and argument _destroy the other .

      COURSE TO BK PURSUED . We have , after considerable deliberation , adopted the resolution of visiting successively the various districts of the country , instead of remaining stationary in one place , conceiving our presence is necessary wherever opposition raises its head , and particularly where the cause may be backward . The additional expense created has hitherto been completely counterbalanced by the good effected , and the increased _numbers added to the Association . We have also decided on sending out , from time to time , one or two of our members to agitate the country .

      W e have latterly thought it advisable to publish a weekly journal of our proceedings , to be called the Journal of the Executive Council ; in which interesting and instructive essays will be given by the members of the Council and other contributors , a = well as condensed aecountB of the progress of the cause in all parts of the country . Tho Journal will be printed by Mr . R . K . Philp , at Bath , published in Manchester and London , and sold by all booksellers . Notwithstanding tho existence of the Journal , we fchail always conceive the Star to be the great organ of our party , and the able advocate of our principles ; and we shall endeavour to encourage all other publications advocating our cause , such as the _Scottish Patriot . Dundee Chronicle , the Notional Vindicator , _Mer-Ihyr Advocate , Chartist Circular , & c . & c .

      _» _HB HAIIOXAL PtTITIOK . We have decided on the adoption of a Natioaal Petition , to h _* presented to the House of Commons during the _aext Session of Parliament . The Petitio * will be a complete relation of grievances . To secure an uniform _siz _* of the sheet * , we have decided that tie breadth oi each sheet shall be twenty-four inches—a demy paper , each sheet containiDg / eur ooltu & ns for signatures . The agents of the Executive Council can , if necessary , supply the various places with the required number of sheets at a cheaper rate than they can be provided _eliewhero . We particularly direct the _attention of our Scotch , Irish , and Walsh friends , to the breadth of the Petition sheets . To give greater weight to our claims , to direct public attention more forcibly to oar grievances , we

      The Address Of The Executive Council To ...

      hive resolved on the summoning of a Gehbral Con-VKimox of tbe _Imdusxrious CtAsstt . to be held in London on the 4 th day of February , 1842 . With the view of _securing equal representation , we bave divided all England into Electoral _Districts ; thereby adapting the number of the representatives to the resources of the represented .

      TABLK OF KKPRESKNTATION FOR SNCLAMD . _Cttmtie * returning Members . Members to be elected . 1 . Northumberland and Durham One 2 . Cumberland and Westmoreland One 3 . Yorkshire Four * 4 . Lancashire ~ Two 5 . Cheshire ~ One 6 . Derby , Leicester , and Nottinghamshire —( Rutland aud Lincolnshire to be added ) Two 7 . Staffordshire—( Salop to be added ) One 8 . Warwick and Worcestershire—( Northampton and Oxfordshire to be added ) Two 9 . Monmo _« th aud Herefordshire One li ) . Gloucester , Somerset , and Wiltshire ... Two 11 . Devonshire , Cornwall , and Dorsetshire One 12 . Hants , Sussex , and Isle of Wight Two 13 . Essex , Middlesex , Surrey , and Kent ... Three 14 . Norfolk , Suffolk , and Cambridgeshire ... One

      Total ... Twenty-four It is understood that two paid members will be returned and two unpaid ones for Yorkshire . There are five counties unable to _teturn members , and to be agitated from the Metropolis , viz ., Huntingdon , Bedford , Bucks , Hertford , and Berkshire .

      MEANS OF SUPPORTING CONVENTION . The sitting of the Convention will not be protracted beyond lour weeks ; and no postponement shall take place in the presentation of the Petition , and all sheets must be in London at least one wetk previous to the day of presentation , and it is to be hoped that this declaration will stimulate the various districts to procure signatures at once , and make but one great effort to raise up the number to four millions . Each of the 14 districts will be required to contribute £ 25 at the least , which should be forwarded to the Treasurer of the Executive , to be kept as a distinct fund , until euch time as the Convention can appoint a Treasurer of their own . The reason of _pursuing this course k _, that a common fund be established , out of which an equal salary Bhall be paid to all the members of the Convention . Each district must likewise defray the expenses of members to and from London .

      NOMINATION OF MEMBERS . On or before the first Monday of November , 1841 , all candidates must forward a letter to the Secretary of the Executive , stating , firstly , their name and address written in full ; secondly , whether they are members of the National Charter Association ; thirdly , for what district they intend to stand . The Executive Council will publish in their journal a correct list of candidates , and appoint a day for a general ballot in the association .

      KODK OP BALLOTING . Each sub-Secretary shall summon , on the day named for the ballot , a meeting of the Association . He shall be bound to give one week ' s notice to the members . On the day appointed each member must come provided with a slip of paper , on which shall be written the member or members of his choice , and that slip of paper Bhall be dropt into a box oa his name being called over by the sub-Secretary . The Council shall scrutinize the votes . Each district shall ballot for their own respective members . The candidates who receive tho greatest number of votes shall be put in nomination on the day of

      GENERAL ELECTION . The object of balloting is to secure tha return of the best men of each district to serve on the Convention . The result of the ballot being ascertained , the sub-SecretarieB shall givo Beven days' notice of a publio meeting to be held in each place where it is practicable throughout all the districts , and shall then proceed in legal and constitutional manner to take a show of Hands for the respective candidates . The show of hands to decide the election , and all appeals to be forwarded to the Convention .

      THB EXECUTIVE . The Members of the Executive Council have resolved to offer themselves as candidates for tbe representation of some of the districts , and will hereafter particularly mention them . The General Council will bear in mind that all those Chartist candididates who were elected by a show of hands during the last election have a superior claim upon their support , whilst they must also particularly observe that at the public meetings to elect the Members of the Convention—they cannot prevent the nomination of any person professing himself to b _» a Chartist . We only recommend unanmity in the choice , and in the support of , the best men at the Gs & cral Elections .

      We need not suggest anything farther for tho guidance of the Goneral Council , but earnestly direct the attention of every Member of tho Association to the great struggle which must be made in 1842 . The last Petition Convention secured the confidence and esteem of the People . Let men ba sent to the forthcoming Covention , who will equally strive to forward our cause , and compel our opponents not only to understand but to respect our principle ? .

      In conclusion , we remind oar Scotch and Welsh friends of the legal number of forty-nine Delegates to the General Convention . We have allotted twentyfour as our share , leaving our neighbours ample room to have themselves fully and fairly represented . Let this address be calmly considered , let its instructions be maturely weighed , and let the Btrnggle of forty-two be made memorable during future ages , and be recorded as tho year of emancipation from len _« suffering of the injured and oppressed . Birmingham , Sept . 1841 .

      To The General Councillors Of The Nation...

      TO THE GENERAL COUNCILLORS OF THE NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION . Brothers , —The time is at length arrived which requires the active performance of the important duties that have been entrusted to your hands . Nearly all that has yet been done by the National Charter Association , is the foundation of our organization : it yet remains to be fully set in motion , and applied to the many great purposes for which it is designed . We think proper , therefore , to address you ere we close our present sitting , to point out the _necessity for your immediate action and continued perseverance ; and to recommend various means necessary to complete the objects v » e have in

      . Like ourselves , you have been selected by the suffrages of the members , to conduct the movement of of the people for justice . Our office is at once honourable and important , and great responsibility attaches to it . You must not regard your trust as trivial and unimportant : remember the stupendous cause we have to guard ; the powerful and corrupt enemies we have to battle with ; aud , above all , bear in mind , that a starving people , an enslaved multitude , our children , and all who are dear to us , await with auxiety and hope the issue of our straggle . We entreat you , then , to give us yoHr hearty and most energetic assistance ; and with respect and brotherly _rt-gard we invite your attention to the suggestions now offered .

      It is extremely necessary that , in tho management of the _affiirs of oar association , you be punctual . That you meet regularly ; and keep all businoss matters in a forward and perfect sta . e . You must not fail to seize hold of every opportunity to bring Chartist principles before the public ; and as often as possible _deliver or secure the delivery of good Bound political lectures . In tbe absence of good lecturers , assemble the member ;* and others to hear Chartist papers read , and invite , on every occasion , calm and friendly

      a ; sc . See that the plan of _organisation is as much as possible abided by . Let all _electious take place at their proper dates , and information of the same be with regularity transmitted to the General Secretary . Promote the half-yearly issue of cards ; and cultivate to the utmoBt possible extent good fellowship and mutual respect between the members of our Association . Do not omit the necessary supply of funds for the Executive , without _wh-. _^ h its exertions will be of non- effect . Many means for raising funds are within your power-, lectures , wUh small charges for admission , social meetings , & c , will be found , if properly managed , to produce abundance .

      Avoid to your utmost the involving yourselves in debt on behalf of the Association ; and be particularly exact ib all pecuniary affairs . Avoid , also , to your mtmost extent , framing designs of an expensive nature and of little benefit . Rather bend your attention to the completion of the directions of the Executive , than divide tb _« attention of the country by a multiplicity of object * . Understand you have perfect liberty at all _times to adopt such means in your respective localities as may appear most likely to advance the cause and assist your elected head in the performance ol its duties . If you can establish libraries , reading rooms , debating _classes , distribute political papers , < feo . < fec , these will be found productive of great good . Above all things , avoid disunion , allow no petty differences to divide the members ; bury all _persoaal feelings for the general good .

      Put on a bold determination not to be deterred in your just pursuit ; and let manliness , propriety , and discretion mark tout whole oonduck

      To The General Councillors Of The Nation...

      Brothers , —In the kindest feelinga-of regard we offdi * _thes » recotnm « _rjda $ ions . Resolve to be energetic , and immediately prepare to obtain signatures for the National Petition , and be ready to select intelligent and judicious men for ¦ ihe Convention . These are important matters , and we require your utmost _assistance . Youra in Political Brotherhood , J . Leach , P . T / _L'WDovALi _, R . K . Philp , M . Williams , J . Campbell .

      ^For T^Com(Hs €F>Aviifit Fflltttmtp

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      Mr. O'Connor's Tour. Mr. Oconnor Will, G...

      MR . O'CONNOR'S TOUR . Mr . OConnor will , God willing , be at Greeuock on Sunday next , and will there await the _arrangements of the Committee , as mentioned in one of oar preceding numbers ; and it is expected that the several Committees of those places where Mr . O'Connor will visit , will make arrangements among themselves as to the day on which he shall go to each place , taking care to make the travelling expenses as light as possible , by not - sending him backwards and for * wards .

      Mr . O'Connor learns that some trouble will occur about the 3 rd week ; he has promised to bo in the Aioa district on the 25 tb , and wishes all the Committees of the places which he is to visit during that 3 rd week , to arrange among themselves a 3 to his disposal , and to communicate the result to him under _cavor , to Mr . James Moir , grocer , 174 , _Gallowgate , Glasgow , so that he may make the necessary arrangements .

      Mr . O'Connor has received almost countless applications as to the time when he will visit tho English and Welsh towns , but for the present , they must remain unanswered until his return from Scotland . He hopes , however , to have strength to go through his whole work , but still remains resolutely fixed as to the terms before stated , of getting the signatures to the National Petition ; and surely tho terms on which Mr . O'Connor wishes to purchase signatures cannot be objected to .

      Skkgby, Nottinghamshire.—Mr. Simmons Wil...

      Skkgby , Nottinghamshire . —Mr . Simmons will deliver a lecture on Monday , October 11 th , ai five o ' clock in the evening , on the state of the nation , and tho imperishable principles of the People ' s Charter . Hanley . —Mr . Joseph Capper will preach two sermons on Sunday next , October lOih , at two o ' clock in the afternoon , and six o'clock in the evening , at the house of Mr . Thomaa Mayers , _Chollstreet , Upper Hanley . Nottinghamshire . —Mr . Dean Taylor ' s route for the ensuing week : —Sunday , Oct . 10 , at two o ' clock in the afternoon aud six in the evening , in the Democratic Chapel Rice-place , Nottingham ; on Monday evening , at eight o ' clock , he again lectures in the same place . On Tuesday , at Beeston ; Wednesday , at New _Lenton ; and Thursday , at _RadforJ ; each evening at six o ' clock . The friends at tho above places are requested to make this as public as possible .

      Men op London !—For the benefit of a poor Chartist who has been robbed oi a large sum of money , a _rtme will take place , at threepence per member , for a beautiful picture of Robert Einmett _, the Irish patriot , on Wednesday evening next , at eight o ' clock , at Mr . Roche ' a _, Red Lion , Maize , Tooley-street _, near London Bridge . Ticket * can be bad at the City of London Charter Association Room , 55 , Old Bailey . Lambeth . —Mr . Stallwood will lecture on Tuesday next , the 12 th October . Hackney . —Mr . Wheeler will lecture here on Tuesday evening , tho 12 ; h of October .

      Chelsea . —Mr . Stallwood will lecture nrxi Monday , and Mr . Wheeler on the ensuing Sunday . London . —A grand concert will be given in the Mechanics' Institution , Circus-street , New-road , on Wednesday , October 18 th , in aid of the Masons ' Fund . Singing , dancing , and a variety of entertainments . Tickets , ( id . each , to be had of the committee at their several residences . Lamueth . —Mr . _Watkins will lecture at the Chartist Hall , 1 , China Walk , Lambeth , on Sunday evening . A concert will be held on Monday evening . Mr . Stallwood will lecture on Tuesday next . Bbrmondsey . —Mr . R . Wild will lecture to the _Bbrmondsey Chartists on next Tuesday evening , ai ei _« ht o'clock precisely . Bradford . —Mr . _Ibbetaon and Brook will lecture at the North Tavern , on Sunday next , at six o'clock in tho evening .

      Mr . Martin and Mr . Tenning will lecture at Whiteabbey , on Monday next , at eight o _' olock in the evening . Mr . Joseph Alderson and Mr . Flynn will lecture at tho Association-room , Bowliog , oa Sunday evening , at six o ' clock . Mr . Dewhirst and Mr . Edmonson will lecture at the Three Pigeon ' s , Middleton-fields , on Monday next , at eight o ' clock in the evening . The Female Chartists are requested to attend at tho North Tavern , Wapping , on Sunday next , at six o ' clock , as business of importance will be laid before them .

      Derbyshire . —Mr . _Bairatow'a route for the ensuing week ; he will lecture at the folio wing places , at seven o ' olock each evening : —at Belper , on Monday , October the 11 th ; Alfretoo , on the 12 ch ; Swan wick , on the 13 th ; Holbrook , on the 14 th ; Duffleld , on the 15 th ; Millford , on the 16 th , and will preach in the Belper Market-place , at half-past two o'clock on Sunday afternoon . Old ham . —Two lectures will be delivered here on Monday and Tuesday next , at eight o ' clock each evening , by Bronterre O'Brien . Marylebone . —Mr . W . J . Osborne will lecture on Sunday uext , Oct . 10 th , at the Working Men ' s Hall , _Circas-Btreet , at half-past seven o'clock in the evening . Rippoxden . —Mr . Joseph Newsome and Mr . Joseph Bray , will be at Ripponden , on Sunday next , the 10 th , and will lecture in tho morning at ten , and in tho afternoon at two o ' clock , in the

      Associationroom . Tow kr Hamlets . —A public meeting of the _Chartistct of this locality , will be held on Sunday evening next , Oct . 10 th , at half-past seven o ' clock , at the Carpenters' Arms , 171 , Brick-lane , to tako into consideration the propriety of changing _thsir place of meeting , their present meeting room being much too small-Mr . Morgan ' s route for next week : —Percy main , Monday evening , at half-past six o ' olock ; North Shields , New Quay , on Tuesday evening , at halt _' _-past

      six ; Seghill , ou Wednesday evening at . half-past six ; Cramliugton , on Thursday evening , at half past six ; and at Walker ' s Iron Works , on Friday evening , at half-past six . _Newcastle . —There will bo a delegate meeting fur tho Southern district of Northumberland and tho Northern district of tho county of Durham , in tho Chartists' council room . Goat Iim , Cloth Market , Newcastle , on Sunday , the 10 th instant , at twelve o ' olock at noon . There will , likewise , bo a sermon preached in the _saino room , at six o ' clock in the evening of the samo day .

      London . —On Sunday evening next there will be a meeting at 55 , Old Bailey , to adopt tho best means of getting up a festival for the benefit of Mr . Carrier . All who admire the principle of this much suffering man are invited to attend . Hunslet . —Mr . Stansfield , of Armley , will preach in the Chartist Association Room , Huns ' et , on Sunday evening , at six o ' clock . _Poitebiks ;—Mr . Linney will lecture in Maeolesfield on Monday , the lhh instant ; in Congleton , on Tuesday-, tho 12 th ; in Hanley , Staffordshire Potteries , on Wednesday , the 13 th ; and in the other towns in the Potteries on the ensuing uigtus , for the express purpose of extending the Association .

      MakcHESTER . —Mr . O'Brien will doliver two _addresses in the Hall of Science , Camp Field , Mm-Chester , on Thursday next , October 10 th , one in the afternoon at half-past two eclock , and in the evening at half past six . Notice . —The friends at Heckmondwike , Littlo Town , and Batley , are rcquosted to pay particular attention to the following announcements : — Heckmondwike . —On Saturday evening , Ocf . 16 , a public meeting will be held to petition Parhainont for an inquiry iuto the silent system in the prisons of the United Kingdom , chair to be taken at seven o ' clock . Mr . T . B . Smith , from Leeds , will attend . Littlk Town . —Oa Sunday , Oct . 17 , Mr . Smith will preach three sermons , in a large room opposite the church , at half-past ten , half-past two , and six o'clock .

      Batl & _t . —A public meeting to petition against tho silent system wJl be held on Monday evening , Oct . 18 , at seven o'clock in the evening . Mr . Smith will attend . Birsxai .. —Mr . Smith will lecture on the benefits of education , and on mutual love , on Tuesday eveniug , Oct . 10 . i Churwell . —On Wednesday eveniDg , Oct . 20 th , Mr . Sinnh w : U preach on the advantages of co-operation , after which x public mee . _iug will b « held to petition against the silent system .

      _Hunslkx . —On Tuesday evening , Oct . 12 , Mr . Smith will lecture on tne benefits of Joint Stock Stores , and the beat miaus of establishing them .

      Skkgby, Nottinghamshire.—Mr. Simmons Wil...

      Mr . Mason ' s Route for the Following Wkb —Walsall , on Monday , Wednesday , and Tueada ] Darlston , on Wednesday ; _BUston , on Thursday and proceed back to Birmingham on Friday , mile some other place requires his services da that da Mr . Mason will attend at Daventry , at the very fir opportunity . _^ The Birmingham Chartists are requested i attend a general meeting next Tuesday evening , ; the sign of the Ship , Steelhouse-Jane . Business < importance will be transacted ; chair to be taken j half-past seven o ' clock .

      To The Chartists Of The West Op England ...

      TO THE CHARTISTS OF THE WEST OP ENGLAND AND WALES .

      Brothers , —It was . onr intention , after the meet ing in Binningbani , to bold a sitting in Bath _oj Bristol , for the purpose of arousing the spirit ol Charttam in your important district Sinee we have assembled here , however , circumstances have come to our knowledge which render it necessary for our first efforts to be directed to tbe metropolis , where we may be more instrumental at the present time than at any other , in promoting the spread of our principles , and in _organizing all whoso political views are in unison with our own . From the representations made to us by our colleague , Mr . R . K . Philp , it appears desirable some steps should be immediately taken to give the causa a fresh impetus in your localities , and we are of opinion , a West of England and South Wales delegaco meeting will produce tbe desired effect The era has arrived which demands

      your utmost _energy . By this time the plans we have laid down for future action are before you ; to _accomplish these _designs wo ahull require your moat strenuous aid . An iaiportant movement must be made ; and wo think it of the greatest importance that you should immediately hold a delegate assembly , that fresb vigour m & y be imparted to your movements . We , therefore , as your representatives , convene a meeting of delegates , to ba Lolden at Bath , on Monday , October 18 th , 1841 , to commence at nine o ' clock in tbe morning , and we invite the Chartists of the West and Wales immediately , in public meeting , to proceed ts the election of representatives , We remuin , Your faithful Servants , J . Leach , P . M . _M'Douall , M . Williams .

      R . K . Philp , J Campbell . PS . Mr . R . K . Philp , being in Bath , will attend aa a member of the Executive . The General Councillors resident in Bith are directed so make the necessary preparations for the meeting .

      Mr. Mark Crabtree And The Dewsburv Chart...

      MR . MARK CRABTREE AND THE DEWSBURV CHARTISTS .

      TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN STAR . SIR , —I have this minute received your paper of Saturday but , which contains a letter from W . M . Stott to Mr . G . J . Hamey , as also a letter from Harney to me ; as I have not time to answer it this evening , I will send you my reply so as to be in time for your next publication . I imut request you will give notice of this my intention in your paper of thi « week , that the Chartist Association of _Dewsbury , and their Secretary , Stott , may bo assured I shall not flinch from answering their letter as it deserves , and to show Mr . Harney I shall not be deficient in courtesy towards him . I am , Sir , Your obedient Servant , Mark Crabtreb . London , 6 th October , 1841 .

      Riot In Durness, Sutherlandshire.

      RIOT IN DURNESS , SUTHERLANDSHIRE .

      Information has reached us , that on the night of Saturday , the 18 th ult ., the sheriff-substitute aud procurator-fiscal of Sutherland , with a party _ofi sheriff-officers and constables , were deforced in the execution of their duty , and attackod by a mob of l about 400 people , consisting of men and women ,, armed with _bludgeons and other weapons , at the inn of Durine , iu the parish of Durness , in Lord _Reay'd country ; tho whole party were wore or less injured , and _souie narrowly escaped with their lives . ; Tho facts , in so far as we have been able to learn , are theso : — _Vlr . J . Anderson , at _Ri 8 _poud , is principal tacksman of Keanabin , and other farms in _Durness , undtr a lease from Lord _Reay , the former proprietor of that country . _Keanabiu and _piaces adjacent

      were sublet by Mr . Anderson to _Bsvcral people , who have small _croft 3 of land attached to their houses , but whoso principal means of subsistence is the herring and deep Boa fishing , which used to be carried on there under Mr . Auderson ' _a auspices to a considerable extent . His fishing speculations , it would _appear , proved unsuccessful , and he has latterly turned his attention to sheep farming , with which view it became Kecessary for him to remove several of tho _Keanabin people , who , besides , had fallen into _arrear with their rents . To effect this purpose Mr . Anderson caused summonses of removing to be served , aad he obtained decrees in 6 _nring last .

      These decrees were put into the hands of a sheriff ' s efficur of the i . amo of Campbell , who proceeded , in the month of _August , to servo the charges of removal ; but he was _attacked by the Keanabin people , men aud women , who turned out in great numbers , maltreated him , robbed him of his papers , and burnt them in his presence . This outrage having b <« en reported to tho authorities at _' Dornoch , the superintendent of police , Mr . Philip Mackay , was despatched to apprehend tbe parties . Mackay was treated in a similar niauuer . He returned home and afterwards made a second attempt , with a stronger party , but with the same result .

      Oa Friday , the 17 th of September , Mr . Gordon , sheriff-substitute , and Mr . Fraser , procurator-fiscal , with a large party of sheriff-officers and special constables , repaired to tho spot , which they reached the following evening . As soon as tho patty were observed approaching Keanabin , the people turned out and met them on the road , their numbers increasing every minute , and , in less than an hour , 200 or 300 assembled with sticks , flails , and other weapons in their hands , _many of the women bearing shearing _, hooks . They were all in a highly-excited 6 _tate , using _thi most threatening _language , and swearing vengeance against all who dar _? d to lay hands on any of the rioters . Just as the party were at that part of the road which passes the well-known Cave of

      Smoo , a rush was made to seiz ? Mackay , and throw him over the precipice . In thi 8 they were defeated . The most indecorous and insulting language was heaped on the authorities , and threats of violence to ihtjkr persons were continued to be made , until the party reached the inn of Durine , where ( it getting iat _* _- ) they intended to pu . es the night ; but no act of personal violence was committed up to this period . About ten o'clock at ' _night the people , with an _accession of 100 more to their number , made an attack on the inn ; they toro down the _railings in front of the house , broke tho windows , and forced open the doorR , by _driving _hugo blocks of stone against them . Having thus _guim-d admittance into the room in which the constables were seated , au immediate attack was made upon them ; after a hard struggle

      they were knocked down , and dragged to the outside , where they met with _yioiilar treatment , and were completely dispersed . The mob haviu _^ j thus 6 uc ceeded iu driving away tho constables , a party of them returned to the inn , forsed uii entrance into the room in which the sheriff and procurator-fiscal were , aud violently drove them out , threatening to take their lives if they remained that night in the parish . Some proposed to destroy their horses and gigs , while others suggested that they should be stripped naked and turned out en the _rocks . At length they were compoiled to retrace their steps to the nearest inn , about twenty _niiics distant , which th « y reatheJ at five o ' clock in the _morning , with tho half of their party . The remainder of tho party concealed themselves in the Bttiudiug coin , and among the rocks , aud made their _escape when _daylight broke .

      Such is a faint , account ol this lawless proceeding , which , we _presume , has , ore this , been submitted to the highest authorities ; and we have no doubt that prompt measures will bo adopted , and a sufficient military force eent to Keanabin , to teach , the misguided people that the laws of the country must and will be vindicated , aad those to whom the execution of them is intrusted , protected . —Inverness Courier .

      The Fleet Pbisoneh.—Wo Are Happy To Lear...

      The Fleet Pbisoneh . —Wo are happy to learn that a public etfjrt is about to be made on behalf of a man who has laboured zealously , iiobly , and successfully , during rcany year ? , for the public good , Tho person to whom we alJude is Mr . It .

      Oastler . It i 3 well known that this great advocate of humane laws , and of the rights of the oppressed , ha 3 been a prisoner in tho Fleet since December last ; and although he still devotes all the energies of his mind iu support of the cause which is dearest to him , yet his conh ' uement _necessarily prevents him from following any pursuit from which to derive a sufficient income . Tho effort , therefore , will be to get , by means of public subscription , such % sum of money as will preserve him from want , and enable him to continue his great and valuable services in the causa of humanity and of his country . We heartily wish that this well-timed and benevolent effort may be crowned with success .

      _DlPEAT OP THE CHINESB , ASD EVACUATION . OF _Cajitoh . _—Makskiixes _; Oct . 3 . —The Oriental , which left Malta on the 30 th September , has arrived this _taomiLgat ten , having on board Captain Brown , charged with despatches to the _Qieen of England , The English forced the advanced posts of Canton the 23 d or 27 th of May , and prepared on the instant to attack Canton itself . But the Chinese capitulated . They pay 6 , 000 , 000 of dollars .- ' The Tartar garrison evacuated the city on the 5 th June . The English have again occupied Honu Kong . _SPAIH . _—CaPIBRB 09 THB ClTADBL OF PAMPK . _DSA —The following appeara in tho Messaoer of Wednesday : — - "The Captain General O'Donnell , at the head of _twotataliosa of Navarre , has taken the citadel of Pampeluna . This coup de main has been effected in tho name of the Queen Recent Christina .

      Local Markets

      LOCAL MARKETS

      Lheds Cloth Markets. —There Was Very Lit...

      Lheds Cloth Markets . —There was very little business don 9 in the Cloth Halls on Tuesday , owing , probably , to the extreme wetness or the _morning The _business in the warehouses is still brisk , and several Irish orders yet remain on hand , though it cannot be denied that much less is doing than there ought to be for the season of the year . In the manufacturing districts around Leeds , particularly Padsey , where low heavy goods are made , the hands aw fuily occupied . Leeds Corn Market , Oct . 5 . — The arrival of Wheat to this day ' s market is again large , other kinds of graiu moderate . There has been a good demand for old Wheat at an advance of 2 * per qr . ; fine dry new Is per quarter , but the damp qualities aro very bad to quit . New Barley is making from 31 s to ' 65 i per quarter , 54 lbs bnt there is very little doing yet , very few of the Maltsters bave began working . Oats have been in rather better demand _, lieans little alteration .

      THE AVERAGE PRICES FOR THE WBBB EXDING OCT . 5 TH , 1841 . Wheat . Barley . Oats . Rye . Beans . Pe _" _Qrs . < _irs . _Qrs . Qrs . _Qrs . Or * - 3235 245 799 — 198 41 £ s . d . _£ s . d . £ s . d . _£ s . d . £ s . d . £ e . a . 3 4 5 . 1 13 8 13 6 0 0 0 2 1 1 _U 2 8 1 * _HUDDSRSFIELD _CtOTH ALlBKET , OCT . OTH . —0 ° Market this day continued throughout in a very gloomy state , indeed it appears quite plaiR tn _»« there ia now taking place a general feelm _? of _cetrust and the forcing of sales for money must be done at a great loss . Wools , oils , & c . much the same as last week , with little doing .

      _WAKEFIELD CORN MARKET . ( by _expoess . ) . ¦ Friday , Oct . 8 rH . —Our arrivals are large of Wheat ; the report of the deficiency of the crop is so fully confirmed , that the trade continues to hart great confidence in prices , and to-day a ft * business is done , at an advance of _fcs . to 33 . P _« quarter on oJd , and Is . per qr . on new , but tbe latter does not go off freely . Barley is more _acquired for , and our Maltsters will soon require supplies . Oats are steady . Shelling is fully Is . P _# load higher . Beans without alteration . .

      O'Connor, Baq., Of Hammenmlth, Coontj Mi...

      O'CONNOR , Baq ., of Hammenmlth , _CoontJ Middlesex , by JOSHUA HOBSWf , at hl » _Frirtla * 0 _O _« M , Nm . is and 13 . _Marzat-atreet , Brif , gate ; and _Publiahod by the aaid _JotHWX HOB 3 OH * _< _Tor tiw aaid Fbar _« _ub _O'Coxhor _. ) * t hi « I >«* ling-house , _jfa f > ifark _« t- « treet . Brigpte ; •" internal Communication existing between tbe P _& . No . i , Market-street , and tha aaid Nos . 13 _^ 18 , _MarkeVBtreet , / Briggate , thus _consWutiaJ _»« whole _« f tna aaid Printing and Publishing OJ _&* n « _Premiae * . AU Communicationa . mart ba addressed , ( Post-pa 1 * S . HOB 3 O 2 J _, _Northern Star Office , Leeds . Saturday , Ottober 9 , 1341 .

      Ad00819

      TO BE SOLD BY TENDER , ALL the MACHINERY of the OLD WATER WORKS , now in the Engine-house of Pit Fall Mills , at the Warehouse Hill , near to Leeds Bridge , in Leeds ; consisting of Two Pumps , ten inches in diameter , three feet two _, inches stroke , Cranks Beams , Parallel Motion , Connecting Rods , Air Vessel , Pipes , Press for Backet Leather , and all other the Wood and Iron Work oonnected with the First Motion ; together with sundry Utensils and Implements , now in the Engine-house . The Water- Wheel , and its appurtenances , _together with all Lead on the Premises , the Company reserve to themselves , and will not be Sold . Mr . James Walker ( the Officer of the Company ) will attend every Morning ( Sunday excepted ) , from Tuesday , the 5 th October , to Saturday , the I 6 lh instant , between Ten and Eleven o'clock , at , and to shew the Premises .

      Ad00820

      On Saturday , Oct . 16 , 1841 , will be published , No . I . of the JOURNAL OF THE EXECUTIVE TO THE NATIONAL CHARTER ASSOCIATION . riTHIS PERIODICAL is designed strenuously to JL advocate the cause of the People , and the organization of the National Charter Association . It will be conducted by the Members of the Executive , and others , and will be found to contain the best political information for the People .

      Ad00821

      LEEDS GASLIGHT COMPAXY . rpHE Consumers of Ga 3 and the Public , are X hereby informed that at the Half-Yearly General Meeting of tho Leeds Gas-Light Company _heldvthis day , it was unanimously resolved , further to reduce the price of Gas , supplied by Meter from and after the 21 st of December , 1841 , from 7 s . 6 d . to 6 s . 8 d . per Thousand Cubic Feot , Bubject to the annexed Scale of Discounts . The Company take this opportunity to return their sincere thanks to their Friends and the Publio , aud to respectfully solicit a continuance of that increased Support , which has enabled them to make this further _reduction , in the price of Gas . By order , W . C . RA . PER , Managar . Leeds _Gas-Works , October 4 th , 1841 .

      Ad00822

      NEW POOR LAW . THE SPEECH of W . BUSFIELD FERRAND Esq ., in the House of Commons , Tuesdat , September 28 th , 1841 , on Seconding the Instruction of W . S . Crawford , Esq ., " That it shall not be lawful for the Commissioners , from the date of the passing of this Bill , to declare the formation of any New Unions in districts which are nos already placed under the operation of the Act 4 th aud 5 th of William tho Fourth , c . 76 . "

      Ar00817

      Ar00818

      USED & _^ _yATBH . _^ _VOfiXS

      Ar00823

      Lbeds : —IMotcA tot tbe Proprietor , FBAHQV

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Oct. 9, 1841, page 8, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_09101841/page/8/